Texans’ Quin ready to test Tannehill 2.0

In the second game of the 2008 season, New Mexico senior cornerback Glover Quin lined up across from Texas A&M freshman receiver Ryan Tannehill.

When the ball was snapped, Aggies quarterback Jerrod Johnson took a short drop and threw a quick pass over the middle for Tannehill.

“They were close to the goal line, and they ran a quick slant,” Quin said after the Texans’ practice on Wednesday. “I think he thought he had a touchdown, but I was able to break it up.

“They also threw a deep pass to him, and I was able to break that one up, too.”

Tannehill finished with three catches for 57 yards in the Aggies’ 28-22 victory. Quin recorded six tackles and a sack.

“He was big and talented, and he could run, but I never would have thought the next time I played against him he’d be playing quarterback,” Quin said.

New challenge

When the Texans begin the regular season on Sunday against Miami, Quin will line up against Tannehill again, but he won’t be covering the rookie quarterback.

This time, Quin, the Texans’ free safety, will be the last line of defense.

“He’s athletic, and he can make every throw,” Quin said. “But he’s a rookie making his first start. When things don’t go right for a young quarterback, he usually takes off running.

“We hope we can get to him with the pass rush and frustrate him. When he does try to scramble, we have to punish him and make him pay for it.”

The Texans know the Dolphins will try to run the ball to control the clock and take pressure off their rookie quarterback. Tannehill may figure into the running game with Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas.

“Most rookies lock onto a receiver and stay with him,” strong safety Danieal Manning said. “When rookies drop back, they usually look to one side of the field and stay on that side of the field.

“Obviously, you want to get pressure on him and try to fluster him.”

The Dolphins have a new quarterback and a new head coach in Joe Philbin, so the Texans aren’t sure what to expect.

“It’s kind of hard to plan for a rookie quarterback in the first game because you don’t have much tape on him,” cornerback Johnathan Joseph said. “We have to go off of preseason and the schemes they like to run.

“You don’t see him take off a lot on film. That can be an issue with rookie quarterbacks that are mobile, but he’s stayed in the pocket most of the time. One of his strengths is his mobility. He moves well to create more time in the pocket.”

Playing their game

The Texans ranked second in defense last season. They have one new starter in inside linebacker Bradie James.

“When we show up on game day, our main focus is going to be what we do,” Quin said. “We feel like if we do what we do best, we’re going to be fine. If we execute our coverages and technique, it doesn’t matter who they have out there.

“I’m sure they’ll have some new wrinkles from what they showed in preseason, but you have to trust your scheme, trust your technique, and fight through it.”

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Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>Rookie receiver DeVier Posey</b>, a third-round pick, will get his most extensive preseason playing time. He fell behind Lestar Jean and Keshawn Martin and has no catches.

<b>Rookie receiver DeVier Posey</b>, a third-round pick, will get his most extensive preseason playing time. He fell behind Lestar Jean and Keshawn Martin and has no catches.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>Inside linebacker Tim Dobbins</b>, who backs up Bradie James, always makes plays when he’s on the field. In his second season with the Texans, he’s a physical player who stuffs the run when it’s up the middle. less

<b>Inside linebacker Tim Dobbins</b>, who backs up Bradie James, always makes plays when he’s on the field. In his second season with the Texans, he’s a physical player who stuffs the run when it’s up ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>Tight end Garrett Graham</b> has been outstanding in preseason with seven catches for 141 yards, an average of 20.1 yards a catch. In his third season, he’s improved as a route runner and as a blocker. The Texans use two tight ends a lot, so he’ll get a lot of playing time. less

<b>Tight end Garrett Graham</b> has been outstanding in preseason with seven catches for 141 yards, an average of 20.1 yards a catch. In his third season, he’s improved as a route runner and as a blocker. ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>Cornerback Roc Carmichael</b>, a fourth-round pick last year who spent his rookie season on injured reserve, must show the coaches he’s good enough to overcome so much talent ahead of him. He covers outside receivers and needs to impress. less

<b>Cornerback Roc Carmichael</b>, a fourth-round pick last year who spent his rookie season on injured reserve, must show the coaches he’s good enough to overcome so much talent ahead of him. He covers ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>Running back Jonathan Grimes</b>, an undrafted free agent from William & Mary, has enjoyed a terrific camp and preseason. He has 15 carries for 81 yards, a 5.4-yard average per carry. He wants to force the team to keep four players at his position. less

<b>Running back Jonathan Grimes</b>, an undrafted free agent from William & Mary, has enjoyed a terrific camp and preseason. He has 15 carries for 81 yards, a 5.4-yard average per carry. He wants to force the ... more